Components of A Personal Computer
Processor (CPU)
CPU
The CPU, also called the processor or microprocessor, is the brain of the PC. The processor receives data input by the user, processes information and executes commands.

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RAM
RAM
RAM (Random-access Memory) is memory modules that are are installed on the motherboard that contain microchips which hold data and programs while the CPU processes both. Data in RAM is only held temporarily and will be lost when the PC is turned off.

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Motherboards (Mobo)
Motherboards
Also called the system board, the motherboard is the main circuit board of the PC. The CPU, RAM, expansion cards, storage devices and optical drives are all plugged into the motherboard.

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Video Cards
Video Cards
A video card, also called a display adapter, is an expansion card installed into either a PCI, AGP or PCI-E slot on the motherboard and gives the PC display capabilities.

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PCI-E
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AGP
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PCI

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Hard Drives (HDD)
Hard Drives
The hard drive is the main secondary storage device in a PC. Hard drives contain magnetic coated platters that rotate at high RPMs.

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IDE
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SCSI
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USB
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FireWire
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Fibre Channel

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Power Supply
Power Supplies
A power supply is the small, metal box usually located at the back of the PC that converts the AC current from your home to the DC current needed by the PC. A quality power supply is essential to a PC, especially for those who overclock or have numerous components and multiple hard drives installed.

Power Supplies Continued...
Peripherals
Peripherals
A peripheral is a device that communicates with the CPU, but is not essential for the PC to operate. This includes a wide variety of PC components including monitors, keyboards, m